Kabaddi is one of India's most beloved and fast-growing traditional sports. With the rise of the Pro Kabaddi League and increasing national and international recognition, talented Kabaddi players now have access to dedicated sports scholarships that can fund their education and training simultaneously.
If you are a Kabaddi player looking to balance your sports career and academics, this guide will walk you through all available scholarship options and how to apply for them.
Top Kabaddi Scholarships in India
| Scholarship / Scheme | Offered By | Amount / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) | SAI (Sports Authority of India) | Free training + stipend + kit |
| Top Level Athletes Scheme (TOPS) | Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports | Up to ₹50,000/month cash assistance |
| PYKKA (Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan) | State Governments | Infrastructure + coaching support |
| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna / Arjuna Award Support | Government of India | Cash prize + career support |
| State Sports Scholarship | State Sports Departments | ₹5,000–₹20,000/month (varies by state) |
| SAI Training Centre (STC) Scholarship | Sports Authority of India | Free lodging, food, coaching & stipend |
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a registered Kabaddi player with a recognized state or national federation
- Age limit: Generally 10–25 years depending on the scheme
- Must have represented school, district, state, or national level in Kabaddi
- Minimum academic qualification varies (8th pass to 12th pass)
- Annual family income below ₹5 lakh for need-based scholarships
How to Apply — Step by Step
Register with Your State Kabaddi Association
Get your official player registration done through your district or state Kabaddi association. This is mandatory for most sports scholarships.
Obtain Sports Certificate
Get a participation certificate from your school, district, or state sports authority showing your Kabaddi achievements and level of participation.
Visit the Relevant Portal
Visit SAI's portal (sai.gov.in) or your state sports department's website to check current scholarship listings and deadlines.
Fill & Submit Application
Fill the online application form with all personal, academic, and sports achievement details. Attach all required documents and submit before the deadline.
Appear for Selection Trials (if required)
Some SAI scholarships require physical trials. Prepare well and attend the trials at the designated SAI centre in your region.
Documents Required
- ✅ Aadhaar Card
- ✅ Sports Achievement Certificates (school/district/state/national level)
- ✅ Registration Certificate from Kabaddi Federation
- ✅ Latest Academic Marksheet
- ✅ Income Certificate
- ✅ Domicile/Residence Certificate
- ✅ Bank Account Passbook
- ✅ Passport-size Photograph
- ✅ Character Certificate from School/College
Pro Tip: Always maintain a proper portfolio of your sports achievements — trophies, certificates, news clippings, and photos from matches. This significantly strengthens your scholarship application and selection chances.
Warning: Beware of fake sports scholarship websites that ask for registration fees. All government sports scholarships through SAI and state sports departments are free to apply.
Conclusion
Kabaddi is no longer just a village sport — it is a professional career path with real financial support available for talented players. Whether you are a school-level player or a national-level competitor, there are scholarships that can fund both your game and your education. Start by registering with your state Kabaddi association and visit SAI's portal to explore all available schemes today.